JFE Steel [5403:JP], Japan’s second-largest steelmaker, plans to construct a large-scale electric arc furnace (EAF) by 2027 to replace its No.2 blast furnace in the Kurashiki plant, aiming to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as reported by Reuters on November 8. Steelmaking, known for its high CO2 emissions, is under pressure to address climate change concerns. JFE aims to lower emissions by 30% compared to 2013 levels by 2030.

The new EAF, potentially one of the world’s largest, is expected to produce 2 million metric tons of high-grade steel annually and cut CO2 emissions by 2.6 million tons per year. To achieve this, JFE plans to import low-carbon steel-making raw material, “reduced iron,” from the United Arab Emirates, created using natural gas and carbon capture storage. This initiative aims to establish a large-scale supply system for green high-grade steel, comparable to the traditional blast furnace method. Additionally, JFE is exploring cleaner steelmaking methods, including hydrogen and methanation, but sees EAF as a feasible and rapid solution for emission reduction during the transition period.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/jfe-aims-build-electric-arc-furnace-2027-replace-blast-furnace-2023-11-08/